Canadian Cannabis Laws

The Cannabis Act implements the legal framework for the nation’s cannabis industry, with strict laws and regulations in place for the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis products in Canada.

Age Limit

Barring provincial restrictions, adults that are 18 years of age or older are legally allowed to possess, consume and purchase cannabis.

Possession Limits

Once legalization goes into effect, adults of age will be able to legally possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis or its equivalent in other cannabis products. Additionally, adults of age will also be allowed to share up to 30 grams of cannabis with other adults who are also of age. Adults of age will also be allowed to possess up to 30 cannabis seeds and cultivate up to 4 cannabis plants per residence.

Product Equivalency

As stated above, adults of age will be able to possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, whether it be in dried form or its equivalent in other cannabis product.

Purchasing

When legalization hits, adults of age will be able to purchase up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in cannabis oil from provincially-licensed retail dispensaries. In provinces without retail frameworks in place, consumers will be able to purchase cannabis legally online from federally-licensed producers.

Canadian law allows for the purchase of up to 30 grams of cannabis.

Product Types

When legalization goes into effect on October 17, 2018, only dried cannabis and cannabis oil will be available for consumer purchase. According to the Canadian government, cannabis edibles and concentrates will be made commercially available roughly one year after the October 17 start date of the Cannabis Act.

Adults of age will be allowed to make their own cannabis edibles (both food and drinks) at home as long as they do not use solvents to create concentrates or other concentrated products.

Consumption

Once legalization is in full force, adults of a legal age will legally be allowed to consume cannabis. Cannabis consumption will be legal in private residences nationwide, but provinces and territories have the right to restrict where cannabis can be consumed (such as public places or in motor vehicles) so be sure to know the laws before you partake in a place other than a private residence.

Cultivation

Under the Cannabis Act, adults 18 years of age or older are allowed to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per residence (not per person). All cannabis must be grown from seeds or seedlings purchased from a licensed supplier as well.

Canadian law permits personal cannabis cultivation.

Advertising and Promotion

In an effort to discourage children from partaking in cannabis, Canada has established strict guidelines surrounding advertising and promotion for recreational cannabis. These restrictions are similar to the ones implemented for Canada’s tobacco industry and will be enforced industry-wide.

The following advertising and promotional practices are strictly prohibited:

Any product that appeals to children or minors

Packaging cannabis products in a way that appeals to children or minors

Promoting cannabis in forms/places that could be seen by children or minors

Education

To help discourage children and youth from consuming cannabis, the Government of Canada has allotted nearly $50 million toward public education campaigns for cannabis awareness and health and safety surrounding cannabis consumption.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis will continue to be regulated by the federal government and functions under separate rules and regulations than recreational cannabis. Patients who are seeking more information about signing up for Canada’s medical cannabis program should contact Health Canada.